What is Lesch–Nyhan syndrome?

Lesch–Nyhan syndrome is a rare inherited disorder in which there are high levels of uric acid. It presents with a wide range of neurological, renal, musculoskeletal and behavioural issues, the most common of which is self-mutilation (in 85% of affected children).

Lesch–Nyhan syndrome was first described by Doctors Michael Lesch and William Nyhan in 1964. This syndrome is also known by a number of other names including Lesch–Nyhan disease, Nyhan syndrome, juvenile gout, hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT or HPRT) deficiency, X-linked hyperuricaemia, and choreoathetosis self-mutilation syndrome.

Who gets Lesch–Nyhan syndrome?

Lesch–Nyhan syndrome is rare, occurring in 1 out of every 100,000 to 380,000 live births. It presents almost exclusively in males whose mothers were carriers for mutations in the HPRT-1 gene (the Lesch–Nyhan gene), with female presentations being very rare. A mother with this gene has a 25% chance of producing a son who suffers from this disorder.

What causes Lesch–Nyhan syndrome?

Lesch–Nyhan syndrome is an X chromosome-linked recessive genetic disorder due to a lack or near-lack of the HGPRT enzyme. This enzyme is needed to break down purines, which are found in foods like meats and legumes. Purines are colourless crystalline compounds with basic properties that form uric acid on oxidation; they include the bases adenine and guanine, constituents of nucleic acids, as well as many alkaloids such as caffeine and theophylline. The accumulation of purines leads to a build-up of uric acid and affects multiple organs.

What are the clinical features of Lesch–Nyhan syndrome?

Lesch–Nyhan syndrome is characterised by:

Self-mutilating behaviour

Impaired kidney function due to uric acid calculi (stones)

Swollen, painful joints

Dystonia, chorea and hypotonia (first noticeable in infants)

Muscle spasticity and opisthotonos (spasms that arch the head, neck and back backwards while the body bows forward)

Cutaneous findings in Lesch–Nyan syndrome

The biting of fingers and lips, scratching of the face and gouging of the eyes result in:

Excoriations and wounds

Scarring

Callus formation.

Gouty tophi (nodular masses of monosodium urate crystals that develop and appear as firm lumps under the skin) form on the ears and over the joints of the fingers and toes.

Gouty tophi (note, these patients do not have Lesch–Nyan syndrome)

How is Lesch–Nyhan syndrome diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Lesch–Nyhan syndrome is based on a careful patient history, physical examination findings, and blood tests to detect high levels of uric acid. Where available, genetic testing confirms the presence of an abnormal HPRT-1 gene.